Whiting: Point-and-shoot cameras rule in outdoors

July 1, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 12:28 p.m.

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A hawk takes flight a split-second after dropping its prey near the Quail Hill Trail in Irvine. I spotted the hawk dropping down and stopped to take the photo. It disappeared into the brush and took off. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Three deer stop atop a ridge line in Whiting Ranch Wilderness in the early morning after the Santiago Canyon wildfires several years ago. I like the quiet, hazy feel of the photo. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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I shot this photo on safari in Africa with a Canon G7, a high-end point and shoot camera that has long been replaced by later models. More expensive point-and-shoots have less lag time capturing images. DAVID WHITNG, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Nature photography is much easier when shooting things that don't fly, run or crawl. Early morning sun caught this spider web. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A mountain fox takes refuge on the west side of Saddleback Mountain, north of Modjeska Peak. The only way to take a photo like this while hiking or running is to carry your camera in hand because the animals dart away. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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An egret takes flight in Upper Newport Bay. When animals are in motion, just shoot as many photos as you can and hope one turns out. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A hawk takes flight a split-second after dropping its prey near the Quail Hill Trail in Irvine. I spotted the hawk dropping down and stopped to take the photo. It disappeared into the brush and took off. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

I'm running at dusk under a canopy of old oaks when suddenly a screech owl ascends from a thicket, a writhing snake in its talons.

What a photo. Or not.

The problem is I like to travel light and fast. And that means I rarely carry a camera in the outdoors because the professional boxes are too darn clunky and smart phones just can't do the job.

But, in truth, point-and-shoot cameras are now at the stage that in many outdoor situations they are better than the big Nikons or Canons. Not only can point-and-shoots, well, shoot great photos in the great outdoors, they also allow you to hold one in your hand while trail running – a critical thing when it comes to photographing the surprise snake or darting deer.

Let's take a look at why point-and-shoots rule for shooting critters in the natural world.

CHOOSING A CAMERA

If your hobby is photography and you venture out to take the best photographs possible, it's best to stick with tried and true SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses. These hulking beasts offer pin-point accurate view finders, close-up photos from afar and all the gizmos an aperture-understanding artist needs.

But if you're like me and you want a good workout while also having the ability to shoot some amazing photos, consider a point-and-shoot.

So, how much should you spend?

When I do remember to bring along a camera and I'm not specifically looking to shoot something for a column, I carry an $80 Canon PowerShot A800.

When I know I'm shooting for a column, I carry what I call "the brick" – a high-end point and shoot by Canon. Mine happens to be an old G7, long since updated to the G15. More on high-end point-and-shoots in a minute.

There are several things I love about the cheapo camera and two things I hate. First the hate.

For reasons that are beyond me, camera manufacturers have discarded view finders in favor of screens. It's baffling why more models don't at least offer a cheap view finder just above the lens.

If you've ever tried to shoot a bird in flight, a coyote running, you know it's nearly impossible to track an animal with a digital screen.

Sunlight bouncing off the glass makes this even more difficult.

Tip: Try to find a camera with a view finder. The expensive models should include one. If you already have a point-and-shoot, don't worry about a view finder.

Here's why:

TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES

Tip: Turn your shooting finger into a motor drive.

The trick to taking decent photographs of critters – or anything really – in the digital age is repetition. Fire away hoping something comes out right. Taking one photo or 100 costs the same.

For a bird in flight, click away until the subject is too far away to photograph, Then click some more. If you get a single decent photo out of 20, then you've succeeded.

When you get home, load the photos on the computer and discard everything but your best shots.

Unless it's a mountain lion.

That's a shot worth keeping for the story behind the photo.

GOING STEADY

Another reason for a view finder is that it allows three-points to steady the camera: Your two hands and your brow.

A triangle of support is particularly nice when you have only a few seconds to shoot.

Trying to capture an animal in a tiny screen forces you to hold out the camera, making it much more difficult to keep steady.

A steady camera becomes even more important when you're in the low light of a forest or dealing with a setting sun. The reason?

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